A historic Lockheed Super Star aircraft has arrived in Frankfurt, where it will become a permanent exhibit at the Lufthansa Conference and Visitor Center. The plane, which was significant for its role in 1950s aviation and as part of the Lufthansa fleet from 1957, will be available for public viewing starting next spring.
Recently repainted to match its original appearance, the restoration used archival materials from Lufthansa and expertise from Graphics Solutions, a division of Lufthansa Technik. The fuselage and tail unit have already been transported to Frankfurt by heavy-duty vehicles; the wings are scheduled to arrive next week.
The Lockheed Super Star will be displayed alongside another restored aircraft, the Junkers Ju 52. Both planes will serve as central attractions at the new facility. A glass façade will allow visitors to view these aircraft even from outside the building.
The opening of this conference and visitor center is timed with the centenary of Lufthansa’s founding, highlighting both historical achievements and ongoing innovation within the company.
Describing its historical significance, Lufthansa noted that “the Lockheed Super Star joined the Lufthansa fleet in 1957 and was the first aircraft to feature the exclusive Senator class. It was mainly used on the non-stop transatlantic route to New York, making the Lockheed Super Star a technical masterpiece. With its four piston engines, it closed the chapter on classic propeller aircraft. The flights, which lasted up to 17 hours, took off from Hamburg, where the maintenance base was also located. The Super Star is 35.42 meters long, has a wingspan of 45.18 meters, and is 7.12 meters high.”
Construction of this new center began in 2024 near Frankfurt Airport’s Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC). The facility aims to support collaboration among employees while welcoming customers, business partners, and aviation enthusiasts.
According to Lufthansa: “Lufthansa’s pioneering spirit and expertise will be brought to life – particularly in relation to the future of aviation, but also with regard to the company’s history. Two restored Lufthansa aircraft will be on permanent display as the main historical attractions: the Junkers Ju 52 and the legendary Lockheed Super Star.”
The center will also feature an open gallery with exhibits from throughout Lufthansa’s corporate history—some being shown publicly for the first time—and offer event spaces along with food options at a coffee lounge.
